Therapeutic agent delivery device for delivery of a neurotoxin

Abstract

A therapeutic agent delivery device and method for eluting a therapeutic agent to a target location are disclosed. The therapeutic agent delivery device may comprise a first conductive element, a second conductive element, and an electrochemical layer including a neurotoxin located between the first conductive element and the second conductive element. The first conductive element and the second conductive element are adapted to be connected to a voltage source. When the first conductive element and the second conductive element are connected to the voltage source, an electrochemical reaction occurs causing the neurotoxin to release from the electroactive layer and elute to a target location.

Description

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION[0001]The present application claims priority to U.S. provisional application Ser. No. 61 / 330,201 filed Apr. 30, 2010, the disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.FIELD OF THE INVENTION[0002]The present invention relates to the delivery of therapeutic agent, for example to the interior walls of a vessel such as a blood vessel, via a therapeutic agent delivery device.BACKGROUND INFORMATION[0003]Internal medical devices for delivery of therapeutic agents in conjunction with a source of electrical power is the subject of co-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 12 / 077,603 (published as U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2008 / 0262412) to Atanasoska et al. (hereinafter “the '603 application”), filed Mar. 20, 2008, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11 / 055,930 (now U.S. Pat. No. 7,850,645). These applications describe processes for delivering a therapeutic agent to a location within a bl...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The patent describes a therapeutic agent delivery device that uses an electroactive layer to transfer neurotoxins to target tissues. The device includes an electroactive polymer matrix, two linking elements, and a bridging element that forms bonds to both the electroactive polymer matrix and the neurotoxin. When the electrodes are connected to a voltage source, a current can be used to separate the bonds and transfer the neurotoxin to the target location. The device can also use a self-assembled monolayer on the electrodes to transfer the neurotoxin through reductive desorption. This device has the advantages of reduced therapeutic agent loss, simplicity of design and procedure, and improved performance.

Problems solved by technology

Oxidation and reduction are believed to lead to charge imbalances that, in turn, can result in a flow of ions into or out of the material.

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